LEOPARDS

The Leopards have produced an average of 315 yards (208 passing, 107 rushing) of offense and 19points per contest, while giving up 255 yards (124 passing, 131 rushing) on defense and 17 points per contest. Louisville has been outscored by the opposition 64-48 in the first half, but holds a 28-3 advantage on the scoreboard in the second half.

Runningback Gavin VanZant (41 carries, 133 yards, 2 touchdowns) eclipsed his season total last week in a breakout game. VanZant had 10 carries for 72 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Aviators including a 50 yard burst.

Linebackers Justin Vanover (38.5 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble) and Casey Nau (32.5 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble) have been at the core of the Leopards defensive efforts this season and lead the team in tackles.

On the defensive line, Cade Stertzbach (17.5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 sacks) is the team leader in sacks. Maverick Pugh (11 tackles, 2 tackles for loss) has come on strong the past few games and recovered a fumble deep in Alliance territory last week. Jimmy Leonard (16 tackles, 2 tackle for loss), Dillon Deckerd (11.5 tackles, 1 tackle for loss), Drew Doerschuk (15 tackles, 1 sack) have also made plays up front for Louisville.

On special teams, Adams has taken the majority of kick returns (4 returns, 19.8 avg.) and all of Louisville’s punt returns (5 returns, 4.8 avg.) this season. Look for Adams to spring one sooner or later in the return game. Hartline (2 returns, 22.5 avg.) and Mathie (2 returns, 19.0 avg.) have also run back kicks this season.

Placekicker Hannah Baughman has made 10 of 11 extra points this season and Bradley Terra has been a great asset on kickoffs as well. Hahn (17 punts, 36.8 avg.) has been solid at punter this season in pinning opponents deep in their own territory.

On special teams, Zerick Banner has handled most of the punting (10 punts, 32.8 avg.) and all of the place kicking (0 of 1 field goals, 1 for 1 extra points). Andrew Jones (7 punts, 32.1 avg.) has also contributed in the punting game. Gross (12 returns, 18.6 avg.) leads the kick return game for the Lions, while Williams (4 returns, 23.3 avg.) and Hertel (4 returns, 10.8 avg.) has also taken back kicks. Mullins was the recipient on Minerva’s lone punt return this season.